DeSantis' Central Florida Tourism Oversight District says Florida government officials should bring more reforms to the Disney district

Dec 06, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Wednesday December 6, 2023 1:28pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

In today's meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, board members spent almost three hours discussing an audit that was commissioned to investigate the financial and governance of Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District.

CFTOD says Reedy Creek was a Pandora's box, a curse disguised in the form of a beautiful gift

CFTOD chairman Martin Garcia said that for many years, Disney did not pay impact fees within the district, resulting in the surrounding area bearing the financial burden for public services. He claimed that Reedy Creek failed to fulfill promises to Florida, such as creating housing, which has caused avoidable quality of life issues for district employees. It should be noted that Disney has a project underway to bring 1,300 units to 80 acres of land in southwest Orange County, Florida, for an affordable housing development.

The CFTOD commissioned audit also details what it says are inappropriate tactics by Disney, leading to benefits at the expense of local taxpayers, vendors, and even the federal government. It alleges that Disney sold utility operations to the district at potentially unfair prices and concealed tax income.

Speaking of the original 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement District act, Garcia said it was a "Pandora's box, a curse disguised in the form of a beautiful gift. Now that the truth is out, Florida lawmakers and government officials should expel the curse with more reforms to the district."

You can read the full CFTOD audit of Reedy Creek Improvement District here.

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Sirwalterraleigh53 minutes ago

Arlen spectre syndrome…there is no known cure

JohnD1 hour ago

What political affiliation is he today? Anyone know? I can't keep up.

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

If you believe recycling the same handful of people through positions with money influence is “healthy”… …what’s Charlie crist up to? 🤔

MisterPenguin1 hour ago

"I, as governor, will not be appointing myself as senator." "I, popular movie star, will not be in the next MCU movie."

JohnD1 hour ago

I don't see it happening. He already made clear his finishing out his term as Governor. Besides, he's an executive. I don't think Senate is his style, although he served in the House a few terms. If he lobbies for anything it would be AG. He's well suited for that as a former JAG officer. If not, he ran for President a few months in 2023-2024 to bolster his credentials. He leaves office in January 2027 as one of the best known Governors in the nation, ready to run in 2028 for President. Disney is no longer an issue for him. He's serving out his term.

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

Well I highly doubt he’s gonna go take DWI cases in dade county Government seems to be rather addictive

jpeden1 hour ago

Based on the statement that I posted earlier I’d be very surprised if he did that. That type of statement doesn’t come out by accident or without him knowing about it.

JoeCamel1 hour ago

cough *scott* cough

ToTBellHop1 hour ago

He’s a term-limited governor who still sees a future POTUS in the mirror every morning. If he wants to be relevant enough to stage another campaign in 2028, he will want to be in Washington. And, if he never becomes POTUS, his “consolation” prize could be a 40-year career in the US senate since he’s still in his 40s. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t pick himself. Politicians want long-term jobs. That’s why so many former Governors become Senators.

Tom P.1 hour ago

How so? This is the constitutional and legal process for replacing sitting Senators. It has happened many, many times before. How is that a circus?

Stripes2 hours ago

To be clear, Disney is very happy with the current district board and particularly the new district administrator. They could not be more effusive in their praise for Kopelousos.

JohnD3 hours ago

I'm just saying she is more likely than himself. Not that he would appoint her. If he appointed someone already in office, then provisions would have to be made to fill that vacant position. She was only "elected" as a running mate. So easier to appoint her and appoint someone else to be Lt. Gov.

LAKid533 hours ago

Why would he appoint her? If it's not himself, I'd think he'd want someone within his inner circle.

JohnD3 hours ago

I think that's highly unlikely. More likely is the Lt. Gov. appointed Senator. As for relations, I think we're over that hurdle. Things have settled down. Seems "business as normal" to me.